China’s cybersecurity agency said on Sunday an investigation found security flaws at US semiconductor maker Micron and called on companies that work with sensitive data to stop buying its products.
This investigation is the latest twist in the battle between the United States and China on the front of semiconductors, essential components for the digital industry and the ecological transition, with Washington trying to restrict China’s access to the most advanced chips.
It also comes against a backdrop of stricter Chinese laws related to national security and anti-espionage.
“Potential issues for network security”
Micron’s computer chips “have relatively serious potential network security issues, posing a significant challenge to supply chain security… and affecting China’s national security,” the organization said in a statement from Micron. press.
China announced in early April a procedure against Micron, in order to “review” the electronic component manufacturer’s products and prevent possible “risks” to its “national security.”
“This is ordinary regulatory action taken […] to protect national security,” said a spokeswoman for Chinese diplomacy, Mao Ning.
In the name of “national security,” Washington has also acted
In the name of “national security,” Washington announced new export controls in October 2022 to limit Beijing’s purchase and manufacturing of high-end chips “used in military applications.”
The European Union, for its part, reached an agreement last month on a plan aimed at developing this industry on its own territory to reduce its dependence on Asia.
And after the United States and the Netherlands, Japan announced in late March its intention to restrict its exports of semiconductor manufacturing equipment, drawing the ire of China.
For its part, Beijing has already spent billions of dollars on its own semiconductor industry in the past 10 years, lest it become more dependent on foreign imports for its electronic chips.
In 2021, China imported more than $430 billion worth of semiconductors, more than the country spends on oil.
Source: BFM TV
